Seeking Cultural Truths
I have much to say about the new Beauty & the Beast, but the thing that most struck me was a conversation between Belle and Mrs. Potts, where Belle implies the curse “isn’t fair,” because the servants in the castle “didn’t do anything” to deserve punishment. Mrs. Potts implies they do deserve punishment, for “we... Continue Reading →
Jesus was a strange dude. He wasn’t what anyone expected or even wanted at the time. He arrived in a turbulent time in history, when the Judean nation was under Roman occupation. The Jews expected a savior like King David, a sword in hand, to liberate them from their enemies. What they got instead was... Continue Reading →
I remember when this show premiered on Fox. I sat through two seasons, enraptured. Joss Whedon brought an unusual, ethically disturbing concept to the airwaves—an elite organization who provides programmable humans for a fee. The “dolls” are whatever you require, dominatrix or assassin. They agree to a five-year contract and memory wipe. On the surface,... Continue Reading →
I’ve always found it impossible to watch superhero stories without finding symbolic, mythological archetypes. Heroism vs. evil, overcoming adversity, and a “little” man attaining superhuman abilities and using them toward good ends speaks to audiences on a multitude of levels. It resonates with inner truths, our moral centers, as well as speaks to our distant,... Continue Reading →
Recently, I discussed sin with a friend and whether or not Christians can “choose” not to sin… to achieve a life without sin, despite living in a sinful world, by becoming one with Christ. I argued that this is difficult, because our decision may be “not sinful” on our end, but still have broader, sinful... Continue Reading →
Watching Anna Karenina (the 2000 miniseries) is always a mistake. I get caught up in over-thinking Anna’s husband and ponder nothing else for days. I could run in all directions with it, but I'll cut you a break and choose one. Nothing kills godliness more than religion. One is a transforming heart experience that brings... Continue Reading →
Henry VII had a problem. He had just taken the throne from Richard III, one of the “sons of York,” and faced uprisings. What did he do? Employ art, of course! Medieval imagery combined history, religion, philosophy, and astrology into dualistic themes intended to cement an agenda. It was common for writers of the period... Continue Reading →
Tonight, as I finished listening to the director’s commentary for Crimson Peak, Del Toro struck me with one of his statements: “imperfection is an altogether attainable human goal,” and “love is acceptance of imperfections.” The reason that line stood out to me, amid all the others, is that this year for Lent, I chose... Continue Reading →
I have not hadso much fun watching a movie since… well, since Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter. Or maybe it was Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters. I’m a fan of these literary/history cinematic monster mash-ups, can you tell? I could bore you all with endless gushing about how utterly hysterical the film is, but I won’t.... Continue Reading →
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